Chief Zabu

Name: Chief Zabu
Genre: Comedy
Released: October 28, 2016
Duration: 74 min

2016

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Universal acclaim based on 23 Ratings

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9.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 23 Ratings

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CHIEF ZABU

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Movie Details & Credits

| Release Date: October 28, 2016 | R

Summary: In 1986 Howard Zuker and Neil Cohen directed their first and only film, Chief Zabu, a low budget, audacious socio-political comedy about New York real estate operators who scheme to take over a Polynesian country while its leader is in New York seeking admission to the UN. After a series of snafus that paralleled the film's madcap plot,In 1986 Howard Zuker and Neil Cohen directed their first and only film, Chief Zabu, a low budget, audacious socio-political comedy about New York real estate operators who scheme to take over a Polynesian country while its leader is in New York seeking admission to the UN. After a series of snafus that paralleled the film's madcap plot, Chief Zabu was never completed, distributed, nor publicly shown. Now, 30 years later, inspired by the rise of Donald Trump, the first-time directors (now with the aggregate age of 141 years) have finally finished their film about a realtor with a dream of political influence: the never-before-seen Chief Zabu.… Expand

Director: Neil Cohen and Zack Norman

Genre(s): Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 74 min

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Critic Reviews

Sheri Linden

Nov 6, 2016

Though its mix of the loopy, the broad and the deadpan is uneven, its story of American business designs on a tiny Polynesian nation still has satirical bite. Read full review

Michael Rechtshaffen

Oct 27, 2016

Chief Zabu may have been buried for the past three decades, but this tiresomely talky would-be satire is no treasure. Read full review

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User Reviews

LizAlexander841

Nov 2, 2016

Chief Zabu is the ingenious story of two outrageous New York businessmen who’s dream of political influence and power lead to a scheme to take over a Polynesian island nation. This insightful comedy includes boldly hilarious moments between the incredibly talented ensemble cast that I foundChief Zabu is the ingenious story of two outrageous New York businessmen who’s dream of political influence and power lead to a scheme to take over a Polynesian island nation. This insightful comedy includes boldly hilarious moments between the incredibly talented ensemble cast that I found truly hilarious. Zack Norman and Allen Garfield’s chemistry on screen is remarkably entertaining and makes for a great film. If you love movies with quick-witted humor, I highly recommend Chief Zabu.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

darla1451

Jul 15, 2020

From the combined powers of Neil Cohen and Zack Norman, "Chief Zabu" is a riotous passion project that has only accrued in value since its beginnings in the 80’s. Zack Norman brings the full extent of his comedic chops in his direction and portrayal of his neurotic lead, Sammy Brooks. AllenFrom the combined powers of Neil Cohen and Zack Norman, "Chief Zabu" is a riotous passion project that has only accrued in value since its beginnings in the 80’s. Zack Norman brings the full extent of his comedic chops in his direction and portrayal of his neurotic lead, Sammy Brooks. Allen Garfield swiftly bounces off of Norman throughout the film and they generate infectious laughter in the process. "Chief Zabu" is an ode to comedy in its truest form, and the creative minds behind it know how to conduct effortlessly.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

lmcbride01

Nov 2, 2016

This comedy excels where most comedies fail; it has an intelligent and stimulating story while also providing laughs. The two leads (Zack Norman and Allen Garfield) use their outstanding chemistry to play off each of their uniquely hilarious characters. I thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersedThis comedy excels where most comedies fail; it has an intelligent and stimulating story while also providing laughs. The two leads (Zack Norman and Allen Garfield) use their outstanding chemistry to play off each of their uniquely hilarious characters. I thoroughly enjoyed becoming immersed in this audacious sociopolitical comedy that is exceedingly relevant today.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Gdipico

Jun 15, 2017

I found Chief Zabu to be one of the funniest satires of the 80’s. I was myself laughing throughout the entire film. The get rich scheme is so over the type that it is absolutely hilarious! The friendship between Ben and Sammy was very entertaining to watch and seemed realistic. The cast allI found Chief Zabu to be one of the funniest satires of the 80’s. I was myself laughing throughout the entire film. The get rich scheme is so over the type that it is absolutely hilarious! The friendship between Ben and Sammy was very entertaining to watch and seemed realistic. The cast all worked so well together, which allowed the movie to flow perfectly! Overall, I loved this movie and recommend it to anyone who enjoys dry humor.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Sheila_S

Jul 13, 2020

The lost 80’s comedy film “Chief Zabu” is a wittily written story about two lively New York real estate agents who are seeking the artificial American dream of becoming rich. Their dream begins to come true when they try to invest in Tiburaku, a Polynesian island that’s seeking membershipThe lost 80’s comedy film “Chief Zabu” is a wittily written story about two lively New York real estate agents who are seeking the artificial American dream of becoming rich. Their dream begins to come true when they try to invest in Tiburaku, a Polynesian island that’s seeking membership to the United Nation. Directors Neil Cohen and Zack Norman hit the nail on the head with the film’s timeless humor throughout the film. I really enjoyed the fast paced dialogue, which is elevated by the chemistry between the leading actors Allen Garfield and Zack Norman. I am so glad to see that this piece of cinematic history holds up just as well today as it would have 3 decades ago!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

katedelaney

Jul 27, 2020

Chief Zabu is one of those zany comedies that makes you belly laugh without any of the common comedy cliches. It’s a truly unique film and I’m so glad this 80s gem was revisited and edited to be more relevant than ever! Zack Norman and Allen Garfield’s delivery of their quick-witted andChief Zabu is one of those zany comedies that makes you belly laugh without any of the common comedy cliches. It’s a truly unique film and I’m so glad this 80s gem was revisited and edited to be more relevant than ever! Zack Norman and Allen Garfield’s delivery of their quick-witted and fast-paced dialogue is what makes the film really stand out. It truly feels like you’re watching two guys stumble their way through politics through constant misunderstandings and poor judgment. It’s a great commentary on the American Dream and a good watch when you need a few laughs.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

savannah2020wik

Jul 20, 2020

This unique movie is a hidden gem in the comedy genre. It plays on American politics and perfectly reflects the satirical humor of John Landis' films of this era, such as “Coming to America”. “Chief Zabu” is an audacious socio-political comedy about New York real estate entrepreneurs whoThis unique movie is a hidden gem in the comedy genre. It plays on American politics and perfectly reflects the satirical humor of John Landis' films of this era, such as “Coming to America”. “Chief Zabu” is an audacious socio-political comedy about New York real estate entrepreneurs who scheme to take over a Polynesian country while its leader is in New York seeking admission to the UN. The film features a cast of stand-out character actors like Allen Garfield (playing Ben Sydney) and Zack Norman (as Sammy Brooks). This throwback satire comedy made me laugh out loud through its perfectly timed humor and well-crafted caricatures.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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